Drought, storms could cost St. Charles $120,000

It could cost St. Charles more than $120,000 to save parkway trees from the effects of this summer’s drought and a damaging storm.

The city has already spent about $21,800 in extra watering for newer parkway trees since May, plus about $14,100 in to deal with damage to trees caused by high winds during the July 1 storm, said Peter Suhr, public services division manager.

Two separate vendors handle tree watering and tree removal for the city. Suhr estimates another $17,000 will be needed to complete the removal process, plus $13,500 to replace 45 trees damaged in the storm.

To counter the effects of the hot, dry weather, parkway trees planted within the last few years – which account for more than 1,000 trees – require six waterings a day, plus soaking through green “gator bags” at the base of the tree, Suhr said.

If the drought holds through October, that will cost the city as much as another $55,000, he said.

The city has also embarked on a public campaign for residents to water younger-looking trees they see on public parkways. Through press releases and door hangings, officials encourage residents to help water the trees parched by this season’s weather.

Although Alderman Rita Ann Payleitner approved of spending the extra money, she noted the significant cost savings if residents watered trees they see in the parkway near their homes.

The cost is “necessary,” she said. “It’s just that so often you hear citizens say we’re spending money unnecessarily.”

A City Council committee gave an initial OK to the additional spending, but the full council will also have to sign off on the plan.

The extra money to pay the vendors will come from the general fund and reserves, officials said.